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Winterizing the 350Z

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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 11:42 AM
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Cool Winterizing the 350Z

Yes peeps its almost that time where our babies must go into hibernation for another season . Having just bought my Z few months ago I need some advice from you guys on how to properly store the Z over the winter time . Any info is great
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 01:19 PM
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garage.....but its in the garage most of the time till nite time...
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 01:31 PM
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if you have stock tires, look for some old bald slicks, they will hold better than the sh!tenzas. Seriously, if you are thinking about taking the Z out in the cold, rain, or snow be very careful.

If you are storing all winter long get some blocks to put it up on, also fill the tank up and turn it over every couple of weeks. then plug the exhaust so rats don't try and hide in there. Come spring time check for snake, birds, cats or a bum look for a warm place to stay through the winter.
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 02:18 PM
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My winterizing includes driving it all winter, .
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 02:19 PM
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Car cover!
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 02:36 PM
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Some general (as in NOT specific to the 350Z) Winterizing Tips...Hope this helps:


Winter weather conditions can wreak havoc on automobiles, especially if they are in poor condition. Care must be taken to see that all devices and parts are in good working order and that no problems exist that could cause the car to fail to operate properly. Below are some specific points that need attention when winterizing a car.


---Make sure that all belts and hoses are in good working order. Check for cracks in belts and soft areas on hoses. If a problem exists, replace the hose or belt. These parts are very inexpensive.

---Check battery for corrosion, clean cable ends and check for charging power. Batteries should be replaced if over four years old.

---Make sure that all oil and fluid receptacles are full. It is recommended that oil be changed at this time.

---Change wiper blades, if worn. Sand and dirt deposits ground into old blades can damage windshield glass. Never fill windshield wiper fluid reservoir with water. The proper type fluid is available inexpensively at auto parts stores.

---Flush the cooling system and replace coolant.

---If car is due for a tune-up (according to manufacturer's specifications), have this done in advance of the season.

---Check tire pressure on all tires and make sure that the spare tire is inflated properly. Also make sure that equipment for tire changing is in good repair.

---Have brakes checked to make sure there are no problems. Add brake fluid as needed.

---Spray WD-40 on all door and trunk locks to eliminate freezing. This lubricant is available at auto parts outlets as well as hardware stores.

---Keep a bag of cat litter in the trunk to use for traction on ice or in snow.

---Keep emergency articles in trunk in case of an accident or getting stranded in bad weather. These should include a small first-aid kit, flashlight, blanket, gloves, ice scraper, small shovel, etc.

---Make sure that the lights, defroster and heater are in working order. Replace any dead fuses.

---Try to avoid running out of gas in winter. Always try to keep at least half a tankful.
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 05:30 PM
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I was just gonna throw it in the garage, and just start it up every so often, and possibly take it out if the weather is real nice and there's no snow/ice on the ground.
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Fletch69z
My winterizing includes driving it all winter, .
+1
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 06:51 PM
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My baby goes night night on Dec 5th....for a 3 month slumber!

Up on blocks...covered warm and tight with a car cover...hooked up to a trickle charger, so she doesn't forget my tunes.

Sweet dreams!
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 07:13 PM
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sniff.........im ordering snow tires for my baby this week...........im hoping this is the only winter i ahve to drive her, hopefully next ill have a beater
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by A_16
sniff.........im ordering snow tires for my baby this week...........im hoping this is the only winter i ahve to drive her, hopefully next ill have a beater
Man, Snow + Huge Torque + RWD = Scary
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by ocdavid
Man, Snow + Huge Torque + RWD = Scary
That's why a light right foot, VDC/TCS/ABS, and most importantly, maneuvering prowess conquer all

P.S: I didn't realize I've passed 500 posts.
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 10:58 PM
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I dont got a Z yet, and live in So. Cal, so not much of a winter here, but why put car up on blocks?
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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeyFyed
I dont got a Z yet, and live in So. Cal, so not much of a winter here, but why put car up on blocks?
Keeps pressure off of tires' sidewalls which can develop tiny cracks as the contact patch will stay the same for 3-4 months in storage. Bitter cold and/or dryness further accelerate it. Another benefit is keeping pressure off the suspension and letting the springs hang free. Finally, for a much longer storage period, wheels can get warped from contact weight on the same spot.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by InSaNeZ
I was just gonna throw it in the garage, and just start it up every so often, and possibly take it out if the weather is real nice and there's no snow/ice on the ground.
that's exactly what i do.

between about jan 1st and mid-march, there were maybe a handful of days I took her out for a spin.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 04:49 AM
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Snow doesn't cause rust, salt does. If you take it for a spin once in a while in the winter. The chances of you getting some salt on the underside will negate all the trouble you have gone through to keep it in the garage from the harmful winter weather. part of the harmful winter weather is the City putting salt on the roads.

I have some winter questions as well:
1. If I take my whole battery out of the car to put it inside (planning to do the same with the leather seats), Do I still have to start the car up every now and then?

2. Is putting the cars on Block really needed for about 4-5 months of storage? I heard putting the car on blocks are reserved for longer periods as in years, not months of storage.

3. And how about the gas tank? Should I try to empty it out as much as possible? SHould I add some addictive to keep it from "sludging"?

Originally Posted by InSaNeZ
I was just gonna throw it in the garage, and just start it up every so often, and possibly take it out if the weather is real nice and there's no snow/ice on the ground.

Last edited by ZlleH; Oct 20, 2005 at 06:27 AM.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 06:08 AM
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Originally Posted by camaro194
+1
+2. Kuhmo ECSTA ASXs will be here the end of November or so. Winters arent terrible here but we still get dusted every so often. Light foot and good tires should get me through just fine. And probably a weekly run through the car wash since I usually shut off my outdoor pipes in the winter. Anyone here do that? I plan on giving her a few more good coats of Zaino before the first snow (which may be months off) but had thought about the weekly touchless trip, followed by a Z6 wipedown?
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 07:14 AM
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I live in long island and have just bought a new roadster. We get snow about 5-6 times a year. How bad is the car to drive in the winter. I have not bought snow tires but am thinking about them. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 07:29 AM
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Look at either a good allseason or a full winter tire if you have to deal with snow every day for several months. Blizzak LM-22s are a good choice if you want a winter tire and dont deal with major, major snow. I chose the ASX only because I wanted a yearround replacement.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 07:55 AM
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yeah, in the winter, I use the diy high-pressure wash. This way, I can make sure the undercarriage is sprayed down pretty good. Just make sure to dry off the inside of your doors and hatch. You dont want your doors freezing shut I would do this once a week, preferably on a sunny day to help with the drying.
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